IEC says they are ready to host elections safely
JOBURG – The Electoral Commission of South Africa chairperson Glen Mashinini said they are prepared to host the elections on 27 October.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa hosted a briefing on 9 June to update the public on its readiness to conduct the municipal elections on 27 October.
IEC chairperson Glen Mashinini said, “Our Constitution provides for two fundamental guidelines on elections.
“Firstly, it requires that elections must be free and fair. Secondly, it sets a maximum term of office of five years for legislatures and municipal council and allows 90 days from the expiry of the term to conduct elections.”
“The dilemma facing our commission, and all of us today, is whether the same standards of freeness and fairness apply under such abnormal conditions.”
He added that preparing for the country’s fifth democratic municipal elections has presented the commission with one of the most difficult balancing acts.
He added that one of their main concerns is the elections becoming super spreader events and leading to a further loss of life. “All life is precious and we cannot risk acting recklessly or irresponsibly. Yet, equally, we cannot risk undermining the Constitution and the democratic gains of the past 27 years.”
The commission recently appointed former deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke to conduct an independent review of what constitutes free and fair elections under such abnormal conditions.
“The commission is of the view, that we are technically ready to hold the elections, therefore we believe that the 2021 municipal elections should proceed as things currently stand.”
He added that this assessment was conducted with the help of health and disaster management authorities as well as various experts.
“The commission wants to assure the country that effective mitigation measures are in place to ensure that the elections are conducted safely. These protocols have been tested successfully in over 150 by-elections over the past seven months. “
He highlighted that South Africans must register to vote and ensure that their registration particulars are up to date. “We must participate actively in the upcoming elections and at all times be safe and consider others.”
IEC chief executive Sy Mamabolo said that the final ward count for the election is 4 468, which is an increase of 76 wards compared to 2016. It is estimated that over 200 political parties will participate in the elections.
Voting stations have also increased to 23 151. Mamabolo said the IEC has been able to increase voter access to stations by 60 per cent since 1999.
Voter registration weekend will take place on 17 and 18 July at all voting stations across the country from 8am to 5pm.
